In Massachusetts, unless a player's behavior rises to the level of a reckless disregard of safety, aggressive acts during competition are considered a part of the sport. This past week, soccer enthusiasts around Boston watched women collegiate female athletes throwing elbows, colliding with players and yanking ponytails of opponents who went crashing to the ground.
Brawls began in the heat of competition on soccer fields from Rhode Island to New Mexico. University of New Mexico's Elizabeth Lambert, is now suspended indefinitely for her actions. Liz's coach, Kit Vela, was quoted as saying she is a quality student-athlete, but in this instance her actions clearly crossed the line of fair play and good sportsmanship. The Providence game was halted with a minute left on the clock.
Is there legal recourse if overly aggressive behavior results in personal injury in Massachusetts? When players engage in sport, they agree to undergo some physical contacts, which could amount to assault and battery absent the players' consent. Restatement (Second) of Torts ยง 50 comment b (1965). Traditionally, the courts have felt that to impose liability on sports participants would chill the vigor of athletic competition. However, it is recognized that some restraints of civilization must accompany athletes on to the playing field. Nabozny v. Barnhill, 31 Ill.App.3d 212, 215, 334 NE2d 258 (1975)
Bellotti Law Group is an experienced Boston personal injury law firm.
